Joshua vs Pulev: Anthony Joshua could be facing Kubrat Pulev at wrong time, says Kalle Sauerland
Written by News on 13/09/2017
Anthony Joshua is still "learning on the job" as a world champion and could be exposed by Kubrat Pulev, says the Bulgarian’s promoter Kalle Sauerland.
The unbeaten 27-year-old will defend his WBA ‘super’ and IBF heavyweight titles against mandatory IBF challenger Pulev at the Principality Stadium in Cardiff on October 28, live on Sky Sports Box Office.
Joshua issued a chilling warning at Monday’s press conference, admitting "I just want his soul", but Sauerland pointed to how Pulev has toppled dangerous opponents before, and believes his vast experience will allow him to punish any rash mistakes from the champion.
"Look at the people he has defeated – [Alexander] Dimitrenko, Tony Thompson, [Alexander] Ustinov, all guys who are at the peak of their careers when he fought them," Sauerland told Sky Sports.
"He has fought big guys before, beaten them before, and has got a huge pedigree. He started boxing at 12.
"Anthony Joshua, great champion, but as he says himself [he’s] learning on the job. You don’t want to face a guy like Kubrat Pulev at that time."
Sauerland is certain that Joshua’s proud unbeaten record will be ruined, if he repeats those defensive errors against Pulev.
"Anthony’s strengths – his speed, his power, his youth, his athleticism, I think they are all there to see," said Sauerland.
"But the weaknesses are also there to see. He’s open for a punch, Dillian Whyte showed that as well, and Klitschko obviously showed that.
"He seems to still have that ring inexperience about him, outpunched himself in the fifth round in the Klitschko fight, was quite open to see.
"He [Pulev] will work on those things, putting him into situations where maybe that experience is a deciding factor. One thing for sure, if Pulev gets into the situation that Klitschko got in, there’s only one winner."
Watch Joshua vs Pulev, live from the Principality Stadium, Cardiff, on Saturday, October 28, live on Sky Sports Box Office.
(c) Sky News 2017: Joshua vs Pulev: Anthony Joshua could be facing Kubrat Pulev at wrong time, says Kalle Sauerland
